Carol Brauer

This December support your local Alzheimer’s Association

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Make a Happy Holiday for an Appleton Senior

This December support your local Alzheimer’s Association

Volunteer Today!

The Alzheimer’s Association counts on thousands of volunteers nationwide to help fulfill our mission. Please consider joining us to help support the families in Wisconsin who are currently dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.

Whether you have one hour to spend with us or a few hours each week, we can find the right fit for your interest and skills. Volunteer & Internship opportunities are available at each of our six offices and, in some cases; you may be able to volunteer from the comfort of your own home.

In order to maintain the integrity of our organization, as well as to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those we serve, all volunteers must complete an application prior to serving in this capacity.

Click here to apply!

Source: https://www.alz.org/gwwi/volunteer

 

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The Appleton Alzheimer’s Holiday MIND Diet

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10 foods that fight Alzheimer’s this Holiday Season (and 4 to avoid)

Doctors have been saying for years that what you eat can affect the health of your heart. Now there’s growing evidence that the same is true for your brain.  A new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago show a diet plan they developed — appropriately called the MIND diet — may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53 percent.

Even those who didn’t stick to the diet perfectly but followed it “moderately well” reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s by about a third.Diet appears to be just one of “many factors that play into who gets the disease,” said nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, PhD, the lead author of the MIND diet study. Genetics and other factors like smoking, exercise and education also play a role. But the MIND diet helped slow the rate of cognitive decline and protect against Alzheimer’s regardless of other risk factors.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, looked at more than 900 people between the ages of 58 and 98 who filled out food questionnaires and underwent repeated neurological testing. It found participants whose diets most closely followed the MIND recommendations had a level of cognitive function the equivalent of a person 7.5 years younger.

The MIND diet breaks its recommendations down into 10 “brain healthy food groups” a person should eat and five “unhealthy food groups” to avoid.

The MIND diet recommends frequent servings of green leafy vegetables. Kale, spinach, broccoli, collards and other greens are packed with vitamins A and C and other nutrients. At least two servings a week can help, and researchers found six or more servings a week provide the greatest brain benefits.

Like other diets focused on weight loss and heart health, the MIND diet emphasizes the importance of vegetables for brain health. The researchers recommend eating a salad and at least one other vegetable every day to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

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Good holiday Alzheimer’s food choices include:

  1. Nuts are a good snack for brain health.
  2. Berries are the only fruit specifically recommended in the MIND diet.
  3. If beans aren’t a regular part of your diet, they should be.
  4. Whole grains are a key component of the MIND diet.
  5. The MIND diet study found eating fish at least once a week helps protect brain function.
  6. Poultry is another part of a brain-healthy eating plan.
  7. Olive oil beat out other forms of cooking oil and fats.
  8. A glass of wine every day. Just one, though.
  9. Red meat isn’t banned in the MIND diet, but the researchers say you should limit consumption to no more than four servings a week to help protect brain health.
  10. Lots of Vegetables for brain health!

 

Try and limit the following:

  1. Butter and stick margarine should be limited to less than a tablespoon per day.
  2. Cheese may be delicious but it doesn’t do your brain any favors.
  3. Pastries and other sweets could have a negative effect on brain health as well.
  4. Fried foods and fast food round out the MIND diet list of unhealthy food groups

 

Source:

https://www.cbsnews.com/media/mind-diet-foods-avoid-alzheimers-boost-brain-health/

 

As it’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, BrightStar Care of Appleton, WI is honored to care for many individuals living with the disease. Download our free guide filled with great information for families of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month In Appleton!

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(Go Purple!)

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month In Appleton!

The month of November is known as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. President Ronald Reagan made that designation in 1983 and it is something that is still recognized today in Appleton. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, at that time there were less than two million people with the disease. Through the years that number has grown to more than five million.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that leads to memory, thinking, and behavior problems. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. It is also the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time and eventually comes to a point where a person can no longer accomplish daily tasks. In the beginning, memory problems are mild, but as the disease progresses, patients become unaware of their environment and may no longer be able to carry on a conversation. Once their symptoms become noticeable, Alzheimer’s patients typically live an average of eight years, but can survive for as many as 20 years depending on other health factors.

Helping People with Alzheimer’s Disease

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are things you can do to help a loved one, especially if the disease is still in its early stages.

  • Keep a Daily Routine – This helps to avoid confusion and lets the person know what can be expected. Alzheimer’s patients like routines.
  • Don’t Overstimulate – Keep things simple. Say one thing at a time. Present only one idea so that the person can understand it the best they can.
  • Be Reassuring – Always try to make the person feel safe and comfortable. Sometimes even saying the words, “You are safe with me” is enough to make that person feel at ease.
  • Don’t Yell or Argue – As frustrated as you may get, imagine how the patient feels. They can no longer grasp what is going on inside their own heads. Don’t yell or argue out of frustration. Be the calming voice they need.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s and Dementia Education by visiting these resources

Please Click Here or Here!

It’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we are honored to care for many individuals living with the disease. Download our free guide filled with great information for families of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

UW-Milwaukee Team Researches Alzheimer’s Uneven Impact On Women

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UW-Milwaukee Team Researches Alzheimer’s Uneven Impact On Women

Memory Disease That Affects More Women Expected To Hit 13.9M People By 2060

The number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is expected to more than double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one research group in Milwaukee is studying why its impact on women is greater than men.

As the population ages, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to grow to 13.9 million in 2060 from 5.7 million in 2018. About two-thirds of those affected by the memory-related disease are women, said Karyn Frick, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Frick is leading a team to study how women are impacted by the disease that scientists think has something to do with the build up of proteins in the brain.

We’re working on the female piece of the puzzle, trying to understand why women are at greater risk for the disease”We’re working on the female piece of the puzzle, trying to understand why women are at greater risk for the disease,” she said.

Frick said that Alzheimer’s disease is greater occurrence within women might be linked to menopause, which impacts the hormones produced by ovaries.

To continue to read the full article to better understand Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in Women please Click Here

Please join me in sharing this article and helping raise awareness for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in Appleton, WI.

 

What Appleton Seniors May Not Know About Alzheimer’s and Dementia

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Common Misconceptions and Surprising Facts About Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia affects about 50 million people in the world and there are approximately 50 million people in the world living with dementia. Dementia is an “umbrella term given to the symptoms caused by various diseases — most commonly Alzheimer’s”.   These numbers are expected rise to 152 million in 2050, according to Alzheimer’s researchers. Business Insider, Lindsay Dodgson, writes “Despite the massive impact dementia has on the economy and people’s livelihoods, there are still many misconceptions around it. There are also some facts that still surprise people.”.

Dodgson put together a list of Common Misconceptions:

  1. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same thing
  2. People react differently to the words ‘dementia’ and ‘alzheimers’
  3. Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of getting older
  4. More people at 90 don’t have dementia than have it
  5. Almost half of adults don’t realize it causes death
  6. A brain that is affected by Alzheimer’s can weigh 140 grams less than an unaffected brain
  7. There are more symptoms than memory loss
  8. A third of risk factors are within our control
  9. Heart health and brain health are intrinsically linked
  10. Mid-life is the most important window for risk reduction
  11. It doesn’t just affect old people
  12. Sometimes, it only affects sight and perception
  13. Aggression and confusion may come from these small perception errors
  14. Disrupted sleep can be a factor
  15. There is no cure or treatment for the progression of diseases that cause dementia

To better understand Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease read the entire article. Click Here https://www.businessinsider.com/alzheimers-and-dementia-misconceptions-and-surprising-facts-2018-10

Please join me in sharing this article and helping raise awareness for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in Appleton.

September Is World Alzheimer’s Month

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September Is World Alzheimer’s Month

World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign hosted every September to raise awareness for the challenge and stigma that surrounds dementia. September 2018 will mark the 7th World Alzheimer’s Month. The campaign was launched in 2012: World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21 September each year.

World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) every September to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia. World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012. World Alzheimer’s Day is on 21 September each year.

2 out of every 3 people globally believe there is little or no understanding of dementia in their countries. The impact of World Alzheimer’s Month is growing, but the stigmatization and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem that requires global action.

Click here to learn more

 

 

2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Appleton

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Get Ready to Walk for a Cure!

Thousands of people across Wisconsin are getting ready for walks – all in an effort to end Alzheimer’s Disease.

The walks take place in Wisconsin cities starting in late summer and going through fall. There are walks scheduled in Appleton, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, Sturgeon Bay and many more places.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Wisconsin Chapter, five million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and is the sixth leading cause of the death in the country.

Join a Team or Make a Donation Today!  Let’s find a cure!

Event Details:

Time:

Registration at 8am
Ceremony at 9am
Walk at 9:30am

Route Length: 2 miles

Location:

Appleton North High School
5000 N Ballard Road, Appleton, WI 54913

Contact:

Melissa Huempfner | 920-260-4878 | [email protected]

CLICK HERE for more event info.:  http://act.alz.org/site/TR?sid=23932&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=11613

To learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease, click here.

Learn more about our dementia workshops – CLICK HERE

 

(Source):

http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2018/WI-GreaterWisconsin?fr_id=11613&pg=entry

 

Safe and Fun Activities for Appleton Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

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Appleton Seniors with Dementia Can Safely Have Fun Outdoors, and BrightStar Care of Appleton Can Help!

Alzheimer’s caregivers always need to be careful to keep their loved one safe, but with summer comes additional safety concerns. A senior who wanders may face additional safety challenges in the summer if they are not hydrated, or are not wearing sunscreen.

Tips to Keep a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Safe during the Summer:

  • Stay hydrated: People with dementia may not realize that they are thirsty, so encourage them to drink frequently.
  • Apply sunscreen regularly: A senior with Alzheimer’s may not remember to put on sunscreen, so be sure to remind them to reapply when needed.
  • Dress appropriately: As dementia progresses, decision making becomes more difficult. Put away any winter clothes and make light, summer clothing easily accessible.
  • Limit sun exposure: Try to stay in shaded areas as much as possible and stay inside during the hottest part of the day, usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Be watchful around water: It’s best to have any home pools protected by a fence but keep a watchful eye on any seniors who may wander to prevent an accident.
  • Avoid loud noises and crowds: Both loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming for someone with dementia.

Safe Summer Activities for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s or Dementia:

  • Attending a baseball game or another sporting event
  • Attending an outdoor concert
  • Family reunions
  • Gardening
  • Going to an outdoor movie
  • Having a picnic

BrightStar Care of Appleton BrightStar Care of Appleton can help families with caregiving for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. To learn about our services, read about our In-Home Alzheimer’s Care in Appleton.